Brad Holland Back in 1998, as stock images began to apply new pressures to the illustration field, a visionary illustrator stepped up and began to imagine and plan a gathering of fellow artists to educate, inspire, and arm illustrators with information. Brad Holland was the primary force behind the foundation of ICON and had the clout and the power of personality to draw hundreds of artists to Santa Fe and form an idea that has continued for decades. Like so many artists and people who loved him, the ICON board mourns Brad Holland's passing. Brad was a monumental talent who changed how many illustrators thought about images. A prolific artist, he was one of the most influential illustrators who ever lived. Brad also had a magnetic personality with vision, passion, and purpose. We at ICON are forever grateful that Brad had the vision to create the platform for this ongoing community. In the past several days, so many of our fellow artists and art directors have shared their personal stories about Brad Holland, and through those stories, we know how many of you are saddened by this news. We can take comfort in the fact that the world will forever have his powerful art, and we are sure his legacy will endure. — The Board of ICON, The Illustration Conference (fb)

All signs point to Baltimore in 2026! Join ICON: The Illustration Conference as we gather for community and conversation in Charm City! We are thrilled to be partnering with @marylandinstitutecollegeofart as our Platinum Sponsor for ICON13. Workshops, Mainstage, and Prisms Education Symposium will be conveniently located on MICA’s campus. More good news: We have 20 Super Duper Discount tickets for ICON13, available at $513! Head to the Eventbrite link in our bio to order.  Our regular Early Bird discount tickets will go on sale in November of 2025. Refunds are not available, however, tickets can be resold or gifted to a friend or colleague. Mark your calendars for ICON13, Wednesday, July 15 to Saturday, July 18, 2026! (fb)